Hundreds of people have rallied in Tokyo to demand that Russia end its invasion of Ukraine.
More than 100 people, including Ukrainan refugees, held a demonstration in front of Shibuya Station on Saturday. They carried Ukrainian flags and placards reading “Stop Russia” to protest Moscow’s aggression.
And about 500 people held a demonstration in Minato Ward to mark the second anniversary of the invasion.
Japan-based Ukrainian musician Kateryna Gudzii performed tunes on a stringed instrument called the bandura. Gudzii also sang the popular Japanese song “Tsubasa wo kudasai,” which expresses the desire for peace and freedom.
She said time has stopped for Ukrainians over the past two years, when many people have experienced personal losses.
Gudzii said she understands that war fatigue is spreading around the world. But she said Ukraine is fighting not only for itself but so that other countries won’t experience war.
After the rally, protesters marched through the streets holding placards and Ukrainian flags. They chanted “Peace for Ukraine” or “Against all war.”
A nurse in his 20s said it is intolerable that many children and other civilians have died. He said he’s worried that Japan could someday find itself in a similar situation.
He said he hopes for a peaceful resolution of the war.
SOURCE: NHK, Sunday, February 25, 2024
